Ryuichi Sakamoto Popular Song Ranking [2026]

AmoreSakamoto Ryuichi22rank/position

Amore

“Amore,” a track on Ryuichi Sakamoto’s 1989 original album Beauty, is a piece that adds vocals and electric guitar to a track that was originally released under the title “Undo.” When he played it for Jeremy Thomas, the British film producer known for The Last Emperor, Thomas started singing along with the words “Amore, amore,” which led to the decision that “it’s definitely better with lyrics!” and the vocals were added.

The piano solo version, whose bittersweetness really tugs at the heart, is also wonderful—be sure to give it a listen!

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IetaSakamoto Ryuichi23rank/position

Ieta

“Ieta,” written specifically for a contact lens commercial featuring Haruna Kawaguchi and released digitally in 2022, is a piece Ryuichi Sakamoto composed while undergoing medical treatment, saying, “I can still compose.” Within its transparent, shimmering sound, one can glimpse a sense of sorrow, loneliness, and emptiness—feelings that nonetheless convey Sakamoto’s strength as he fought illness, faced uncertainty, and continued living as an artist until the end.

If you only ever heard it in passing as a commercial jingle, take this opportunity to savor the song’s depth in full.

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IntermezzoSakamoto Ryuichi24rank/position

intermezzo

Ryuichi Sakamoto continued to create original works across a wide range of genres, including classical, folk music, and technopop.

“Intermezzo,” included on the album BTTB, is a piece known for evoking the spirit of Johannes Brahms’s Intermezzi, with Sakamoto’s own interpretations and inventive touches shining throughout.

Sakamoto, who said he had loved Brahms’s musicality since childhood, produced global hits in technopop, yet this masterpiece rooted in classical music is also a must-listen.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (from the film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”)Sakamoto Ryuichi25rank/position

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence — Ryuichi Sakamoto

The masterpiece “Merry Christmas Mr.

Lawrence,” composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, a composer Japan is proud to share with the world.

It is the theme song of the film Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence, in which Sakamoto himself appeared.

The prelude evokes gently falling, steadily accumulating snow; the poignant melody seems to blend feelings of helplessness, sorrow, and resignation—every part is striking, and once you hear it, it has a mysterious power that won’t leave your mind.

In addition to the downloadable sheet music introduced here, many easy arrangements suitable for beginners have been published, so please feel free to give it a try.

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Put your hands upSakamoto Ryuichi26rank/position

put your hands up (piano Version)

“Put your hands up,” used since 1997 as the theme song for the TBS program Tetsuya Chikushi NEWS23 and still widely loved today.

The original track was included on Ryuichi Sakamoto’s album CM/TV, and a piano version was later featured on Ura BTTB.

Buoyed by the popularity of the commercial song “energy flow” and Sakamoto’s high profile, Ura BTTB became a major hit.

Unprecedented for an instrumental single, it reached No.

1 on the weekly Oricon chart and sold a total of 1.8 million copies.

Please enjoy “Put your hands up” and many other beautiful works that will bring you a sense of calm.

RelâchéSakamoto Ryuichi27rank/position

Relâché

Since we’ve introduced solo tracks by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, we should naturally cover a solo piece by “Professor” Ryuichi Sakamoto as well.

In this article, I’d like to highlight Relâche, included on Sakamoto’s third solo album, Left-Handed Dream, released in 1981 during what could be called the heyday of technopop.

It’s an instrumental track that, while deserving to be discussed in the technopop context, possesses a unique atmosphere—featuring guitarist Adrian Belew, a world-renowned musician known for his work with King Crimson, and also crediting Robin Scott, who scored a massive hit as M with Pop Muzik.

The looping synth riff has a curious allure, and the suddenly introduced telephone sound is oddly amusing.

With Haruomi Hosono on bass and Yukihiro Takahashi on drums generating a powerful groove, it’s essentially YMO, yet it unmistakably remains Sakamoto’s own world—which is part of the fun.

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SolitudeSakamoto Ryuichi28rank/position

Solitude

“Solitude” is a piece included on the original soundtrack for the 2004 film Tony Takitani.

Tony Takitani is a film adaptation of a short story by Haruki Murakami, with all compositions and performances handled by Ryuichi Sakamoto himself.

Although there were initially no plans for a CD release, the decision was made after growing anticipation for the soundtrack following the film’s theatrical run.

Recorded using a distinctive method—bringing a screen into the studio and improvising while watching the footage—this track vividly conveys something like Sakamoto’s own cry from the heart.

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